My Aluminum Welds are so wide - why?

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Another Noob question.When I started trying to learn to Tig Aluminum with my new square wave 175, my weld beads always came out about 1/2 wide.  1/8" plate, 3/32 Pure Tungsten electrode, 3/32 filler wire & 15 cfh Argon.I've made some progress going to a 1/16 lanth electrode, better cleaning and lower current -  now its only about 3/8 wide.  AC mode seems so violent compared to DC-, much less focus on the arc.  Any suggestions?I assue I'm getting it too hot, so how do I keep the heat more local?  Sharpen the electrode point? Get the electrode closer?  More Argon flow?Thanks,Walt
Reply:Originally Posted by XTWaltAnother Noob question..... how do I keep the heat more local?  Sharpen the electrode point? Get the electrode closer?  More Argon flow?
Reply:If you have a balance control, set it for more penetration and less cleaning.  30% cleaning is about average.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Pulser has a great point; I use primarily 3/32 tungsten with a blunted sharpened tip. And that keeps the arc smaller. Also, keeping tungsten clean really helps!!! Finally, if you can adjust the frequency, then take it up a little higher; that will make for a smaller puddle.Good luck.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Thanks for all the great advise - all makes sense.So, next time I'll go back to my 3/32 Tungsten and a more blunt point or a balled tip.  This opposite to what I was doing, going smaller and sharper.  (nice explanation on the link) Also, I'll try to go stay closer, use more heat and move faster.Unfortuately, my Lincoln Square Wave 175 has no adjustment for balance or pulsing.   I assume that the problem here is my technique, and not the welder.  It doesn't have the latest bells and whistles, but I'm hoping its capable once I get more proficient.Thanks,Walt
Reply:Originally Posted by XTWaltThanks for all the great advise - all makes sense.So, next time I'll go back to my 3/32 Tungsten and a more blunt point or a balled tip.  This opposite to what I was doing, going smaller and sharper.  (nice explanation on the link) Also, I'll try to go stay closer, use more heat and move faster.Unfortuately, my Lincoln Square Wave 175 has no adjustment for balance or pulsing.   I assume that the problem here is my technique, and not the welder.  It doesn't have the latest bells and whistles, but I'm hoping its capable once I get more proficient.Thanks,Walt
Reply:Thanks papabear.  The gap is still factory set (From 12 years ago) at .015".  resetting to .008" wont hurt anything will it?Thanks.
Reply:No; it won't hurt anything. Also take into consideration every thing that pulser said. I don't know if he also included the fact that you should NOT be using pure tungsten with square wave or inverter machines. I personally like lanthinated for alum., it seems to hold the sharper tip better. Keep working at it, you will find the results you're looking for.